12-year-old dies during soccer game

September 7, 2013

A Wood County middle school student died while playing soccer Thursday in Belpre and officials are looking for answers.

Mike Fling, assistant superintendent for Wood County Schools, confirmed that a seventh grade female student at Jackson Middle School in Vienna died.

Fling said Friday that officials had "minimal details." He said the girl was not at a school function when she collapsed.

Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home confirmed her identity as Marissa Elise Miller, 12, of Vienna.

She was at a soccer event in Belpre on Thursday evening when she collapsed sometime around 7 p.m. She was transported from Belpre to Camden Clark Medical Center.

Hospital spokesman Tim Brunicardi referred questions to Wood County Coroner Mike St. Clair, who referred questions to the state medical examiner's office in Charleston. St. Clair said the body has been sent there for autopsy.

Allison Adler, spokeswoman for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, said the cause of death is still under review.

Fling said counselors were made available Friday for students at Jackson Middle School.

"Counselors from neighboring schools have been contacted to provide services at the school," he said.

According to her obituary, Miller is survived by her parents, Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Lisa Glorioso Miller.; her sister, Ciara Miller; and her brother, Tyler Miller, as well as extended family.

Her funeral service will be held at 10 am. Monday at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Ave.,Vienna.